Scribblings & Rants

Sunday Absolutions (Charlie/Colby/Amita)

2009-11-21T20:51:11Z

Don't own; don't sue.

Nick Sommer had had some odd jobs. What private investigator hadn't? Add the fact that he was based out of Los Angeles and his weird quotent was much higher than most.

Still something about his current job sent all kinds of warning bells off through his system.

There wasn't anything illegal about following an FBI agent around, especially on his day off. But he was skirting an ethical line for sure.

He'd been following Special Agent Colby Granger on Sunday mornings for the last month. So far his routine was, while unique, pretty set in stone. The only deviation was last week when his whole team had been involved in a kidnapping case and high speed chase.

Nick hadn't followed in person, but the live news coverage had been quite something. Watching Granger carry the crying kid back to his mom had definitely changed how he looked at his target.

Most of the men he was asked to follow were cheating on their wives, skimming money from his company, or just being slime bags.

So far, Colby Granger was the most up-standing man he'd ever met, well, mostly met.

Nick rolled his neck to stretch out the muscles. He used his binoculars to check on Granger's location again.

This weekend has started much more typically than last.

Granger had pulled out of his place well before sunrise. His destination hadn't been that mysterious. After all, the surfboard strapped to the top of the car was pretty telling.

They'd arrived at Hermosa Beach just as the sun was starting to peak over the horizon. By the time Granger had the board down, his wet suit on, and down the beach, a number of other surfers had arrived. He stopped to talk and joke with most of them. From the first morning Nick had followed him, he'd known Colby was a regular here.

Seeing Granger surf had just reiterated that fact. The man was graceful and smooth in the water. He wasn't the best surfer out there but he was good. He was also in great shape because after surfing for two and a half hours, Granger was barely breathing hard as he left the waves behind.

The first Sunday, Nick had expected Granger to head for the car. Now he wasn't even surprised when the agent planted his board in the sand and pealed back his wetsuit to get down to his swimsuit.

Now more comfortable, Granger took his board and suit and strolled down the beach to the crowd assembling on the now warm sand.

It was an odd group. Several other surfers had come in and joined them, some still in wet suits, others in trunks like Granger. Several beach bunnies in bikinis flittered through the crowd as well. A couple long-haired hippies and several bohemians completed the group of about twenty-five.

After a few moments talking, the group was joined by a man in khaki cargo shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. With his arrival the assembly settled down on the sand.

Nick had researched the man in the loud shirt. He was Reverand Edward Michaels. Ordained as a methodist minister, he'd been doing beach ministry for the last twenty years. This was one of three beach-side services he did each Sunday morning, starting with sun-rise in Santa Monica and ending at noon in Malibu.

Granger, it seemed, was again more than a regular. Each week he'd been there, he'd been asked to get up and speak. Nick hadn't gone down to the beach yet, but he had a feeling that the agent was reciting verses for the service-from memory no less.

Nick made a note to try to get closer next weekend to confirm his suspicions. He didn't need to be that close for a directional mic to pick up the service.

After church ended, Granger never stayed to talk. Several of the others would millaround; some of the surfers even went out to hit a few more waves.

Colby, however, brought his board and wet-suit back to the car and grabbed a bag from the back. He headed for the nearby surf and scuba shop. If he was consistent with the other two weeks he'd been followed, he'd come out in about ten minutes, having showered and changed into causal clothes.

Sure enough, there he was, exactly eleven minutes later.

Nick started the car and started to pull out of the lot. Granger was turning onto the street at the other end of the block so he pulled in right behind him.

It was a short drive back into the city. The next stop was probably the only typical thing about Granger's morning. He stopped at a bakery and coffee shop.

This was Nick's chance. He hadn't gone down the beach because he was going to take this opportunity.

Granger would be in the coffee shop for at least ten minutes and this would let Nick take a quick peak in the charger. Granger had pulled some papers from the bag with his change of clothes before shoving his wetsuit into it and Nick wanted to see them.

Nick parked two spots down the street from Granger. He would walk past the car once to see if the papers were visible before he made a concerted attempt to try to open the vehicle.

Luck was on his side. The papers were laying on the passenger seat. Face Up!

Nick quickly scanned the top sheet. The title line read "Summarizing 1 Kings and Preparing for 2 Kings."

It was a Bible study. And not one just printed off the Internet. Some of the notations were quite specific:

"Ask Tank to repeat what he said about 3:11 (Solomon's request)."

"Refer to Jose's comments on Elijah's time in wilderness when discussing 19:1-9."

"Open the floor to discussion of Rabbi's lecture."

Nick shook his head as he headed back to his car. He was following a man who surfed, went to church, and ran a Bible study. Where was the infidelity, the embezzlement, the slime?

Why the hell was he following a choir boy?

A choir boy who was coming out the bakery with a box and a to-go cup of coffee.

Nick pulled into traffic and slowly followed Granger across town. This last stop was the most unusual part of the morning.

Obviously knowing Granger was leading a Bible study made some sense, but why would be be doing it at a prison? Especially the prison he'd been held at while suspected of being a spy.

Nick shrugged as Granger pulled into the parking lot. He drove passed the prison before turning back to park across the lot from the charger. He watched as Colby and his box of pastries entered the detention center.

Nick tipped his seat back and pulled his netbook onto his steering wheel. Granger would be in the prison for at least an hour. He might as well right up his report so he could send it and get paid for his time.

Although he still didn't know why anyone would pay him to follow a choir boy.

His fingers flew over the keys. He finished the main text and started downloading his photos so they could be included in the file.

A knock on the window of his car startled Nick. He looked up into the deep green eyes of Colby Granger. Somehow he'd lost track of time and hadn't notice the agent come out of the prison.

I'm in deep shit, he thought as he rolled the window down a crack.

"Hi."

"Uh, hello?"

"I thought you could use this." Granger held up a cup of coffee. "Sorry, it's the shit they brew in the guards' break room but it's the best I could do."

"Um..."

"I promise, no drugs or anything in it. You just looked tired this morning. You should go home, rest. I'm just headed to Charlie's now. Hang with Charlie and Amita."

"Uh..." Nick rolled the window the rest of the way down to take the cup. "Thanks."

"No problem, man. Next weekend you should join me, instead of sitting in the car. Reverand Michaels is doing a great sermon series on the power of prayer and we're starting 2 Kings next week here."

With that Agent Granger turned and walked over to his car. He waved as he pulled past Nick and even waited at the light for Nick to catch up.

Yep, there was something really weird about this current case.

Numb3rs WiP Part 74/?

2009-11-21T08:07:33Z

Don't own; don't sue.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10
Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20
Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30
Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40
Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45 Part 46 Part 47 Part 48 Part 49 Part 50
Part 51 Part 52 Part 53 Part 54 Part 55 Part 56 Part 57 Part 58 Part 59 Part 60
Part 61 Part 62 Part 63 Part 64 Part 65 Part 66 Part 67 Part 68 Part 69 Part 70
Part 71 Part 72 Part 73

"So let me get this straight," Sarah started only to stop at the sound of laughter.

"Damn it, David! Stop giggling at that joke," Colby snapped, wondering when his life had gotten out of control. "What are you? Fourteen?"

"So Don knows you're bi and approves," Tony interrupted before things in L.A. could get heated.

"That's good, right?" Em said. "You can make a play for Charlie without worrying about work."

"No. Not necessarily."

"Why not?" Ryan asked over her shoulder.

"Because Don being okay with me is a totally different thing than Don being okay with me and Charlie. Besides, I'm still not sure..."

"Colby, you have to take some risks," Jason pointed out.

"Yeah. Besides you have all of us as back-up," Keith offered.

Colby sighed, knowing when he was out-numbered. Again he had to wonder how it had gotten to this point.

His weekly web-cam session with his family had taken an odd turn when David had arrived. He'd popped up to send whoever was at the door away. Instead, his partner had strolled in, two hours earlier than he'd planned, and butted into his conversation.

Of course, Keith and David had hit it off. Since Jamie and Josh were drifting off for their afternoon nap, the two had pounced on Colby and his love life, or potential love life. At some point, Tony had been added via his cell's speaker phone. Shortly after that Megan and Larry had also shown up.

Colby wasn't sure if this was just one of those comedy of errors things or if he'd been set up. He was leaning more and more towards set up the more everyone pushed.

This seemed to be the first official meeting of the "Get Colby and Charlie Together" Club.

"Come on. What's the worst that could happen?" Abigail reasoned.

"Oh, gee, I don't know. Maybe Charlie isn't gay; he totally freaks out, tells Don who breaks my face and has me shipped off to Alaska for the rest of my career."

"First of all," Megan said, "we're pretty sure Amita's telling the truth about Charlie."

"Upwards of 74.3% actually."

"Thanks Larry. Secondly, even if he isn't interested, he would be more likely to be flattered than freaked."

"And even if he did freak and he told Don, Don wouldn't transfer you to Alaska."

"But he would break my face?"

"Maybe," David admitted before leering just a bit. "It would depend on what you did to Charlie."

"Hee, hee. I have some suggestions about that."

"Shut up, Keith," Tony and Sarah snapped in unison.

"What?"

"You're not helping, dear," Abigail told him with a shake of her head. "We have to get him to agree to make a move before we start talking what move to make."

"Oh, God," Colby groaned and buried his face in his hands. This was why he didn't do well in relationships. They were just too complicated. And his back-up didn't seem to help with that. If anything they just made things worse.

"Colby."

His head shot up at his mother's voice. To this point in the "hook-up Colby" conversation and pep talk, Marie had been silent. Was this the moment they'd gone to far? Was this when she told him she didn't approve?

"I want you to listen to me carefully. What I'm about to say is very important."

"Okay," he agreed if a bit warily. His mom really hadn't weighed in about anything so he didn't really know what to expect. He knew she loved him, but...

"Are you listening, really listening, truly listening?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Charlie isn't Amy." The three words were sharp, distinct, perfect enunciated.

"Huh?"

David, Megan, and Larry's confusion was evident but Colby couldn't explain. His world had narrowed to his mother's earnest expression and steady voice over the web-cam.

"He's not Amy; he will not set out to use you; he will not set out to humiliate you. Yes, he might break your heart just as you might break his. But there will be no malice in it, only the purest of intentions."

"Okay," Colby whispered.

How had she known that he... Colby hadn't even realized that he was afraid of getting hurt again. Sure, once bitten, twice shy but...

There it was. The real reason he wasn't ready to ask Charlie out. Sure, he might be embarrassed or jeapodize his career, but why would that bother him? He'd risked his life and his job trying to get Dwayne and Lancer. He'd come back from that; he could work his way back from Alaska if he needed to. His life, his job was one thing, but his heart...

Could his heart really take the beating that Amy had given it? Could he survive that again?

"Do you hear me, Colby?"

"Yes'm."

"And was your heart listening, too?"

"I think so." Colby blushed at his friends' confused looks. He knew he would have to explain, eventually. But now didn't quite seem like the right moment.

Surprisingly, it was Larry who seemed to recognize this fact. He was the one to ask, "So, Colby, what's your decision? And how can we help?"

Sighing again, Colby ran his hands though his hair. As nicely as Larry had put it, he knew the real question. Was he man enough to risk his heart again? Was he willing to risk getting it smashed to nonillion pieces again?

Charlie isn't Amy.

That was both a good and bad thing. Yes, Charlie's intentions would be much better than Amy's. But Colby also felt more for Charlie than he had for Amy. It would hurt more, be harder to move on. It had taken him years to put his heart mostly back together after Amy; could he do it again?

Colby looked at the faces staring at him. His mother, brothers, sister, best friends, and their significant others were all willing to help him through whatever came his way. They all thought he deserved to be happy and that it was worth the risk. Why shouldn't he believe that, too. Why not go for it?

He could do it.

After all, he was a Granger and a Granger can do anything.

"Is there anyway to get that 73 up to an 80 or 85?"

The question brought a round of cheers from the assembled crowd. The "Get Colby and Charlie Together" Club was definitely going to have a second meeting.

Blessings of a Sort (Charlie/Colby/Amita)

2009-11-12T23:45:36Z

Don't own; don't sue.

Colby looked around the bullpen for a quick moment before resting his head on his desk. He was exhausted. For the last week, he'd been constantly running.

Or at least that what it felt like.

"Hey, man."

"Hey, Dave," he said as his partner came back to his desk.

"Cat nap?"

Colby just grunted. He was just too tired to reply.

"When do Amita's parents leave?"

"Tonight. Thank God."

David chuckled.

Colby turned his face away from the aisle. He couldn't remember the last time he had had a full night's sleep. Probably when Amita told them her parents were coming to visit.

The stupid part was that Colby kinda liked Amita's parents. They were fun, quick-witted, and they kept up with the three of them when they went out. It was clear that Tapti and Sanjay were trying to keep an open mind and take Amita's feeling into account.

The Ramanujans hadn't even added that much stress to Colby's week. They hadn't pressed for information but whenever it was offered they'd pounced on it. After Sunday morning, they hadn't made many demands on his time. In fact, he could have probably used work to blow them off completely.

But he knew Amita and Charlie would both be disappointed if he did that.

So even though their latest case was driving the whole team crazy and ragged, Colby had made time to spend with their guests.

He'd managed to take a couple long lunches to join everyone at CalSci. He'd taken the later shift on the stakeout-with Nikki, instead of David-so they could have dinner and go out to play mini-golf. He'd snuck out for early dinners and then come back to the office to do paperwork and research long after everyone had gone home.

"Dude, you go home at all this week?"

"Just to grab clothes," Colby muttered against his arm. "Wake me in ten."

"Mm hmm." David said with a glance back over his shoulder. His friend looked beat. Of course, if he'd slept on the couch in the break room or the mats down in the gym for the last week, so would he. A little nap couldn't hurt.

~3~

"We just need a break."

Colby jerked awake at the sound of Nikki's voice. He nearly fell out of his chair he was so startled. Instead his head smacked the desk again.

"You okay, man?"

"Yeah," he mumbled as he rubbed where he'd hit his forehead. "When did you get here?"

"I've been here for like an hour and half."

"Damn. How long was I asleep?"

"About two hours," David replied as he typed away at his report.

"I said ten minutes. Why did you let me sleep?" Colby said as he looked at his watch.

"You needed it."

"Damn it. Damn it." Colby muttered as he glanced around the office.

"What's wrong?"

"Amita and Charlie are bringing her parents by on their way to airport. They should be here any minute and I..."

"Have ink all over your face," Nikki said with a grin.

"Ah, shit." Colby wiped his hand over his face, but it didn't seem to do anything to the lines of print.

David laughed. "Go wash your face and wake up. We'll cover for you if they come in."

"Thanks."

Colby hurried to the men's room. A quick glance in the mirror showed that while there was ink on his nose, it wasn't all over his face. He sighed and leaned against the sink. Even with a two hour nap, he still looked wore down.

Well, Charlie and Amita asked you out in a hospital room after getting alcohol and carbon dioxide poisoning; they won't care. Her parents, on the other hand...

Shaking his head, he started the water running. After splashing his face a few times, he set about getting the ink off of his face.

Another look into the mirror and Colby sighed again. His eyes weren't quite bloodshot but they were definitely red. There wasn't much he could do about his wrinkled shirt--he'd already exhausted his on-hand changes of clothes.

"Oh, well. Made a bad first impression, might as well make a bad last one."

Colby gave himself a little half-smile before heading back to the bullpen.

"Agent Granger?"

"Yes, Sam," Colby turned towards the lab tech. He wasn't even halfway back to his desk.

"I, uh, um," Sam stuttered. "I have the results on that computer trace you'd asked for."

"Great." He took the file from the other man and smiled. He slapped Sam on the arm. "Thanks, man."

"Uh, yeah, you're, uh, welcome."

Colby shook his head and turned back towards his desk. He didn't know why Sam was so nervous around him but it tickled him every time they met. That probably wasn't something about himself he should be proud of but... there it was.

To distract himself, he flipped open the file and started to scan the contents.

"Yes. Yes, Yes! We got him. We got you, you son-of-a-"

"Colby?"

"Hey, Amita," he said absently. "David, get a tactical team on the phone; we got him."

"What?" Nikki stood and took the file from Colby. "Is this-?"

"Yeah, he used his home computer. We got him."

"Gotta love the dumb ones."

"It's always the little things they never think of," Colby muttered as he pulled his gun out of his desk drawer.

"Unfortunately, it took us a week to find it. Colby, we'll meet the team at the address; warrant'll be faxed on the way."

"Yeah, Dave, sounds good. Nikki, can you get Don out of his meeting and give him the update?"

"Right. Um, Colby?"

"Yeah?" Colby barely looked up from checking his backup weapon."

"Uh, Charlie and Amita are here."

"Huh?"

Amita giggled. "And you say Charlie gets engrossed in his work."

"Oh, God." Colby whipped around to find Charlie, Amita, and her parents watching him. "I'm so sorry. It's just we've been trying for a week to get this guy and..."

"And you finally got something to get him on. That's great."

"It's horrible timing. I was going to try to come with you to the airport, but..."

Tapti smiled and shook her head. "You have to get your criminal."

"Yes. Sorry." Colby cringed as he pushed his second gun into the back of his jeans. "I really do have go get going. I mean if we take too long..."

Sanjay put his hand out. "We understand."

Colby shook his hand with a smile. "Have a safe flight."

"We will. Be safe," Tapti said before giving him a quick hug.

"We will. I'll call you later. We might just be out of here at a decent time."

Amita smiled and nodded. She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. Charlie kissed the other.

"Granger, let's go."

"Yeah, yeah."

Colby sprinted to the elevator to join David. The arrest had gone smoothly and searching the house had provided even more evidence. It was clear this case was well and truly solved.

They were in the car on the way back to the office when Colby relaxed and thought about his night. Then it finally hit him.

"Oh my God."

"What?"

"She hugged me and he shook my hand."

"Yeah?" David asked, more thinking about the upcoming paperwork than earlier in the evening.

"It's... well, it's not a blessing, but it's approval."

Save Numb3rs Petition

2009-11-06T03:55:07Z

I'm sure many of you have heard about the cutting of Numb3rs current season from 22 episodes to 16. This likely means it's the show's last season.

But there is hope. Letter writting campaigns have worked for other shows in the past. Below is the link for an on-line petition to Save Numb3rs. Please, if you love Numb3rs, take two minutes and sign it.

Thank you.

Save Numb3rs from Oblivion Petition

FIC: Family Dinner (Charlie/Colby/Amita)

2009-10-17T03:52:11Z

Don't own; don't sue.

Colby sighed as he pulled into the driveway at the Eppes house. Don's SUV was parked on the street as well as David's car. Either his friend had wrangled himself an invite to dinner or something was up with the case they were working. He wouldn't mind having to work normally, but he'd finally started to relax with Amita's parents.

As well as Alan, Tapti, and Sanjay had gotten along last time, Colby had actually started to look forward to the evening.

No one else seemed to notice as they piled out of the car. Charlie led the group onto the porch, going on about how excited Alan was about cooking for everyone. Just as he pulled out his keys to open the door, it opened.

David and Nikki stood in the doorway for a moment before stepping aside.

"Hey, guys. How goes the case?"

David chuckled and shook his head at Colby. "Sorry, man. You'll just have to wait for Monday to hear."

"Yeah, right. Don'll tell me."

David laughed and slapped him on the shoulder. "Whatever, man, whatever."

Colby chuckled, knowing the case must be going well for David to be in this good of a mood. "David, Nikki, these are Amita's parents, Tapti and Sanjay. Mr. and Mrs. Ramanujan, this is half of our team at the FBI, David Sinclair and Nikki Betancourt."

"It's a pleasure to met you both," David said as he shook their hands. "Amita's a great girl."

"Mitts off," Colby muttered out of habit and Charlie laughed.

"Do you two need to get going or can you stay for dinner?"

Nikki's eyes lit up and she seemed ready to accept, but David cut off anything she would have said. "Thanks for the offer, Charlie, but we got to get going. Paperwork waits for no man."

"Oh, come on, now. I can talk your boss into letting it slide a day."

"Maybe some other time."

"If you're worried about there being enough, you know Dad's made way more than we'll eat tonight."

Colby cleared his throat. He had a feeling he knew the reason David didn't want to stay. "Mr. and Mrs. Ramanujan, do you mind if David and Nikki stay? I know it was supposed to be a family meal but..."

"Please, do stay. We're very interested in hearing about Colby and Charlie's work."

David nodded and turned to Nikki, "You good with staying?"

"Heck, yeah. Whatever's Mr. Eppes has cooking smells awesome."

Laughing the group headed into the living room where Don and Alan greeted them.

~3~

Colby relaxed somewhat during dinner. Don, David, and Nikki kept up steady stream of talk about old cases and work. Colby snarked when appropriate but he didn't contribute any of his own stories.

Charlie and Amita did their own fair share of butting in and correcting everyone so Colby knew he wouldn't be beligned too much.

"So what are your plans for your time here, Tapti?" Alan asked during a lull in the conversation.

"Well, we figured we'd follow Charlie and Amita around campus for the week, spend some time with everyone in the evenings."

"That sounds really nice," Amita said leaning her head against her father's shoulder. Sanjay was sitting next to Amita and Tapti on his other side.

"Tomorrow morning, we're doing breakfast. Waffles at Roscoe's."

Colby's head snapped up. "Uh."

"Are you all right, Colby?"

"Yeah, yeah, fine. It's just..."

Charlie reached over and took his Colby's hand. "Colb?"

"I just... I didn't think. I didn't cancel... tomorrow morning."

Charlie nodded and squeezed Colby's hand. "That's okay, Colb. You shouldn't have to."

"Sorry, Mom, Dad. It'll just be me for breakfast tomorrow." Amita smiled at Colby before explaining. "Sunday mornings have always been our alone time. It's when we take care of our individual interests."

"I see."

"I just wasn't thinking. I mean, I could cancel but this late..."

"No, no, Colby, we respect your responsibilities. You see to them and we'll see you early afternoon, as always."

Tapti and Sanjay both nodded, slowly. Clearly they were curious but didn't ask.

"So how to do spend Sunday mornings?" Nikki asked.

Charlie smiled. "I usually work on my cognitive emergence work. I really feel like I'm close to making a breakthrough."

"You've been saying that for six months," Don quipped.

"And I'm twenty-four sessions closer than I was then."

Colby laughed as Don and Charlie started their bickering. He loved that Charlie for detracting attention from him.

He'd never told Amita and Charlie about his Sunday mornings. He just told them it was something he needed to do and do alone. And it was.

"Okay, boys, that's enough. Why don't you help me get dessert?"

"I'll do it, Mr. Eppes;" Colby said as he stood, "you sit, relax."

Colby heard Alan's chuckled response as he headed through the door. "He sure was raised to be helpful."

You have no idea; your big family dinners are small and tame compared to the Grangers. He shook his head at that thought. It wasn't like any of the Eppes or Ramanujans would ever find out what his family's dinners were like.

He pushed that sad notion from his heart and grabbed the cake. He forced a smile onto his face.

"Alan, this looks amazing!" he declared as he carried it out to the dining room.

Numb3rs WiP Part 73

2009-10-09T17:11:47Z

Don't own; don't sue.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10
Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20
Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30
Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40
Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45 Part 46 Part 47 Part 48 Part 49 Part 50
Part 51 Part 52 Part 53 Part 54 Part 55 Part 56 Part 57 Part 58 Part 59 Part 60
Part 61 Part 62 Part 63 Part 64 Part 65 Part 66 Part 67 Part 68 Part 69 Part 70
Part 71 Part 72

By the end of the next week, Colby no longer wanted David and Megan on his side. In fact, he wanted nothing more than to shoot them both.

If he heard one more gay innuendo, stereotype, or joke, he was just going to pull out his piece and put a whole between the eyes of who ever said it. He didn’t care which who it was.

“Maybe he just likes to play with his stick. Or any stick as the case may be.”

Gritting his teeth as one of the techs working with them on their case spoke, Colby tried to concentrate on the file was reading. It wasn’t the tech’s fault that they’d picked up on Megan and David’s subtext; he was just trying to fit in with the team.

And it wasn’t as if David and Megan were being deliberately cruel. They were trying to “warm Don up to the idea.” They didn’t have any idea of how uncomfortable they were making him. If they knew about the itch in his gun hand, they’d probably tone it down.

"I think he was more upset about the stains than..."

Then again, maybe not.

Maybe he should go read this file at his desk instead of the war room. He might actually be able to concentrate for more than a word or two.

"Well, they are called 'love handles' for a reason."

“Okay, that’s enough! You, out!” Don announced, pointing at the two techs and then the door. The two men scrambled out the door as if they were being chased by a pack of wild dogs.

“Don-?”

“Not one word. I don’t know what’s gotten into you two, but I want it to stop.”

“Don-”

“I’m serious. One more gay comment from either of you or either of them,” Don jerked his thumb at the two techs cooling their heels by Megan’s desk. “And I’ll write all of you up.”

“For what?”

“Inappropriate workplace behavior and creating a hostile work environment.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Anyone can see you’re making Granger uncomfortable. So knock it off. Although, you!”

Colby threw his hands up in the classic surrender sign when Don turned that accusing finger on him. “I didn’t do anything.”

“No, but I’m a little surprised you’re that closed-minded that a few jokes have set you off like this. I didn’t expect you to be so… bigoted.”

“What! No! I’m not. It would be a little-” Colby stopped himself from saying it would be hypocritical; after all, he didn’t really want to out himself to his boss yet. “I’m not, Don. I just didn’t think it was appropriate to talk about stuff like this at the office.”

“Oh, please,” Megan scoffed. “Like you boys aren’t talking about sex on stake out.”

“Yeah, but not at office.”

“Whatever. Just because you’ve got your panties in a twist-”

“Enough! Jeez. I’m clearly going to have to separate the children. Go work at your desks. And, David, Megan, reassure the techs that they’re not in trouble, just you two.”

The three nodded and gathered the materials they’d need. As they started to head for the door, Don called out.

“Colby, hold on a minute.”

Ah, shit. He knows. Colby tried to keep his face calm even though he was panicking on the inside. He turned to face his boss with what he hoped was an unconcerned expression.

Don crossed his arms over his chest and rested his butt against one of the work tables. He looked cool as a cucumber, which didn’t reassure Colby in the least.

“Yeah, Don?”

“Is there anything you’d like to tell me?”

“No, sir.”

Don sighed and pulled away from the table. “I’d hoped after all this time, you’d finally know this isn’t the Army.”

“What?” Clearly, Don was on a totally different wavelength than Colby.

“Colby, I’d like to think that we are all friends as well as co-workers.”

“Of course, we are.”

“Then you should know that anything you tell me as a friend won’t affect how we work together unless it has to do with work.”

“Of course, Don.”

“So you know, then, that you don’t have to worry about something like ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’”

Oh, shit! He does know. Oh, god.

“Colby, sit down.”

“What?” Colby asked even as he let Don direct him to a chair.

“Sit down. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone go so pale so fast.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m the one who should be sorry.”

“Why?” Colby shook his head to clear it. All his thoughts were a loud roar.

“I shouldn’t have pushed. Clearly, you’re not ready to tell me, even if you told those two. That is why they’ve been making comments all week, isn’t it?”

“Not exactly,” Colby muttered and then lost what little color he’d gotten back, realizing he’d just outted himself to Don.

“Colby, you’re not the first bi-sexual or gay agent in this office. You will not be last. And if you think it makes any difference to me or the team or anyone else, you couldn’t be more wrong.”

“Don, it’s… It’s complicated.”

“I’m sure it seems that way.”

“No, it is. And I’m sorry for…”

“For what?”

“I don’t know,” Colby muttered even as he mind finished the sentence, jonesing on your brother.

“Not trusting me with this? I blame the Army for that. For David and Megan being immature kids? Not your fault. So there’s nothing to be sorry for.”

“David and Megan are kinda my fault. We didn’t… And they…” Colby waved his hand vaguely in front of his face, hoping to convey something about that had been going on this week.

“It wasn’t teasing you; they were trying to feel me out,” Don said realizing that all of the talk had been in his presence.

Colby nodded, a little ashamed to think they didn’t know him well enough to know how he’d take it.

“Hey, it’s all right. You have no way of knowing if I have other bi friends or not, which I do. So, don’t worry about it. At least, I know it can stop now and I won’t have to worry about you shooting one of them when they go too far.”

“My gun hand thanks you,” Colby quipped, finally feeling a little more relaxed.

“Believe me, the paperwork on that would be a bitch.”

Colby nodded and rose to leave the conference room. He got as far as the door before he turned back. “Hey, Don, thanks.”

Fic: All Kinds of Investments

2009-09-01T05:10:44Z

Title:All Kinds of Investments
Characters/Pairings: Colby/Charlie/Amita
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Sneakerhead
Notes: Written for the the Eppes_Slash Time Title Challenge: Post-Series “Sneakerhead”
Thanks to Ty for the beta; all remaining mistakes are mine. This fic didn’t turn out quite like I’d hoped, but it is what it is. Enjoy
Disclaimer: Don’t own; don’t sue.

~3~

Colby sighed as he shuffled the papers before him. He didn’t know what he’d been thinking when he’d insisted on doing this. Who would have thought combining their finances would mean so much paper?

There was a reason Amita and Charlie had suggested an accountant for the job. In fact, they were going to see one the next day. But Colby had wanted to look through it all first. However…

“Why did I want to do this again?” he asked.

“‘A man should control his own financial future.’ Or something like that.”

Colby resisted the urge to stick his tongue out at his peanut gallery. He started leafing through the papers. They’d each organized their information into three categories: debts, recurring income, and investments and non-recurring income.

Their debts were fairly self-explanatory. The mortgage on the house, Colby’s rent (for the last two months of his lease and then he’d be officially, officially moved in), car payments, student loans (Colby’s of course), memberships in different organizations, donations to different causes, they all piled up nice and neat.

Income was almost as simple. The regular deposits from the FBI and CalSci and Charlie’s royalty checks (which, while the amounts varied, went in on the same day every month like clockwork) were easily navigated. Other regular deposits were no doubt Charlie’s consulting fees. Even if the transactions didn’t say where they were coming from, Colby knew his man was on retainer with several organizations. Not that it really mattered where the income was coming from, just that it was coming.

Their investments were, well, much, much more complicated.

Colby sighed and rubbed his forehead. Investing was not something he was good at. That’s why he tended to stick with fair stable companies. One look at their portfolios told him that wasn’t the case for his lovers.

Amita’s selections were interesting, considering many of her investments were in India and Asia. At least he thought so.

“Hey, Amita, what’s DFL?”

“Real estate development company in India.”

“Gold Peak?”

“Manufacturing company in Hong Kong.”

“And Gunze?”

“A clothing, silk, and plastics manufacture in Osaka.”

Colby nodded. His girl was definitely much more adventurous with her money. Although considering her family history, may be not. After all, her parents did work for the India Secretary of Finance.

Rather than quiz Amita on what each of her stocks were, he moved on to Charlie’s.

At least, those names were familiar, if too rich or risky for Colby’s blood. Actually he knew all of the names but one.

“Hey, Charlie, what’s LBS?”

“LBS? Pounds.”

“No. You’ve got it listed as an investment. You shelled out $25,000.”

“Oh. That’s La-La.”

“La-La?”

“La-La Buendia.”

“That sounds like a stripper.”

Charlie laughed. “Don’t you remember? The stolen Primers?”

“Actually, no.”

“Nor do I.”

“That’s right. You were off fishing and you were at a conference. Anyway, La-La worked for Primers and helped us with the case. She quit to start her own shoe company and I invested in it. Once she starts producing shoes and making money, I’ll get one-half of one percent of her profits.”

“A half percent? Isn’t that…”

“A little low?” Amita said.

“It’s jobs in a bad neighborhood. The amount of crime it could take off the streets is well worth it.” Charlie smiled at Colby, “Keeping you safe is more valuable than money.”

Colby blushed and looked back over the papers.

“Colbs.”

“Yeah?”

“Quit messing with those papers and come over here. The accountant will explain it all tomorrow.”

“I just want to be prepared,” he protested even as he rose to join them.

“And I just want to kiss my man.”

“Oh yeah,” Amita said. “Sounds like a very good idea.”

And really, who was Colby to deny either of them?

FIC: Warm, Glowing Kisses

2009-08-19T04:26:26Z

Title:Warm, Glowing Kisses
Character(s)/Pairings:Colby Granger/Don Eppes
Rating:PG-13
Warnings:includes slash, not beta'd
Spoilers:slight spoilers to "The Janus List," "Trust Metric," "When Worlds Collide" and general early Season 4 plotlines,
Summary:Colby's been hiding something

~3~

From the moment they met, Don Eppes knew Colby Granger was hiding something.

At first, he’d thought it was nervousness. After all, it wouldn’t do for the big tough Army man to look like he was anxious. Especially not in front of his new boss who, before the Bureau, had seen nothing scarier than a ninety-eight mile-an-hour fastball flying at his head.

But it hadn’t been nervousness. Colby settled into the job and Don still sensed something below the surface.

Eventually, he thought it was the whole spy thing. No one could go that long without throwing up some red flags. Don figured his subconscious had seen them before the evidence led them to Colby’s door.

But it hadn’t been the spy thing, because Colby had been innocent.

So, it had to be the fact that he was undercover. It was still just his subconscious seeing what had been hidden, right?

No.

Because when Colby came back exonerated, a hero, the feeling remained. Don just knew that something simmered under that simple facade.

Nervousness, again?

No, that was there for the world see, along with his frustration at how hard it was for things to go back to the way they’d been before.

It drove Don crazy. How could a man have so many secrets exposed and still have stuff buried deep?

The question almost kept Don from letting Colby back on the team full time. He just didn’t know if he could truly handle there being more secrets.

But in the end, he was more curious than cautious.

He waited nearly a year for a hint. It took Megan leaving to finally give Don the first glimmer at the unseen parts of Colby Granger.

At first, the drinking had been to celebrate Megan’s new beginning. After Larry whisked her away, the tone had definitely turned more morose. Especially, for Colby.

He’s in love with Megan, Don thought in a flash.

It made perfect sense:

They’d started around the same time

Their bantering could easily be seen as flirting.

He’d always had an unusual interest in Larry and Megan’s relationship.

He seemed to be taking her leaving hard.

Yep, Don thought as he watched Colby take another shot. He’d finally figured it out.

That certainty only lasted a few hours, however.

David left the bar, leaving Don with the task of getting the drunken Colby home.

Originally, his plan was to dump Colby in a cab and give the cabbie his address and $50. But seeing how he’d stumbled out of the bar, Don rethought that idea. Instead, he piled in behind his friend.

The drive had been quiet. Colby, it turned out, wasn’t much of a talker when he was drunk. It surprised Don a little, given how much he talked when on stake-out.

After giving the cabbie an extra twenty bucks to stay while he ran Colby upstairs, Don pulled the drowsy man from the cab.

Luckily the fresh air seemed to help and Colby was able to get his key in the lock of the main door. He left them dangling in the lock as he weaved his way to the staircase.

Don grabbed the keys and followed Colby up the stairs. Definitely a good thing I came with him.

Colby stopped at his door and just stared at it, like he wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do now.

“Here, let me.”

Don nudged Colby over to stick the key in the lock. He’d just heard the tumblers click when rough hands grabbed him.

He only had a moment to realize his back was against the hallway wall before he was being devoured. Colby’s lips moved over his insistently, hungrily. Don shivered at the sensation and gasped when the flash of teeth caught him unprepared.

Colby pressed forward, deepening the kiss. His tongue seemed to be everywhere, mapping Don’s mouth in a pattern only he could understand. The long sweeping caresses left lingering trails of sweetness along his mouth and Don fought to keep up with them and the architect that made them.

The taste and the texture and the feel of Colby’s talent tongue made Don glad he was against the wall; otherwise he might not still be upright. Of course, it could just be the lack of oxygen.

Just when Don didn’t think he could go any longer without breathing, Colby pulled away, slow and gentle.

Unsure when he’d closed his eyes, Don opened them to see Colby looking down at him. His lips glistened from moisture left from their kiss, his eyes were bright and cheeks flushed probably from the booze more than anything. The hall light seemed to cast a glow about Colby’s head. He looked ethereal—divine even, like a fallen angel or demi-god.

With a soft smile, he leaned down and kissed Don again. This time, sweet and soft and warm, more a brushing of lips than anything else. But, somehow Don felt it all the way to his toes.

“G’nite.”

Bemused, Don watched as Colby slipped through his door, taking his keys with him.

So, not Megan then.

Shaking his head Don headed down to the cab to consider his new evidence.

Had Colby’s sexuality been what Don had been noticing all along? But why could Colby feel the need to hide it.

Don snorted at his own thought.

Of course Colby would hide it. He’d just come out of the Army where being gay or bi could mean serious trouble. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell may be the policy but that didn’t change everyone’s minds. The FBI was hardly any better than the military.

Colby had probably just accepted that he’d be keeping this secret for a very long time.

“Huh.”

Don didn’t know what to feel now that he’d figured Colby out. Of course, he still liked the guy and respected him as an agent. But now that there wasn’t any big secret to figure out, Don wondered if he’d still find Colby interesting.

Guess I’ll have to figure that out tomorrow morning, Don thought as he paid the cabbie. When I’m sober.

~3~

The next morning, the doorbell pulled Don from his bed. Since his cell hadn’t gone off, he knew it wasn’t work. If Charlie or his dad was on the other side of the door, he just might shoot something. He’d been having the loveliest dream about…

“Colby?”

“Hey, Don,” Colby said, running his hand over the back of his neck. It didn’t seem possible that anyone could look more uncomfortable than he did at that moment. “Can I come in?”

“Sure. Sure.”

Somehow Colby looked even more nervous standing in his living room than he had out in the hall. And that didn’t bode well for Don.

“What’s up?”

“I, uh. I came to apologize.”

“For what?”

“For kissing you last night.” Colby blushed at his own words.

Except it was more than a blush. The glow was back, even the shimmer to his lips. He looked… otherworldly, ethereal.

“I shouldn’t have done it. I mean, not only are you my boss, you’re straight. And I don’t hit on straight men, especially not ones with girlfriends.”

“Huh?” Don couldn’t seem to concentrate on Colby’s words. His eyes and mind seemed glued to those shiny lips.

How can they be glowing? he thought dazedly, even as he took a couple steps towards Colby.

“I mean, that’s really why I’m here. I just want you to know that even though I’m attracted to you, I know you’re not… Interested, that is. And even if you were, I never do anything to hurt your relationship with Rob—Don? What are you-”

This time it was Don who kissed Colby, hard and passionate. He melted beneath his touch, turning into a quivering, glowing mass that drew Don in for more and more kisses. Finally, he decided to quit trying to breath and just kiss as he’d never kissed before.

When breathe finally became more of need than Colby’s taste, Don pulled away. He found himself on lying on top of Colby on the couch, not knowing how they got there.

“Oh,” the word fell soft and dazed from Colby’s lips.

“Yeah, oh,” Don said as he smiled down at those kiss-swollen lips and passion-laden face. “I just have one question.”

“Yeah?”

“Why are you glowing?”

numb3rs wip, part 72/?

2009-07-25T16:04:46Z

Don't own; don't sue.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10
Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20
Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30
Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40
Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45 Part 46 Part 47 Part 48 Part 49 Part 50
Part 51 Part 52 Part 53 Part 54 Part 55 Part 56 Part 57 Part 58 Part 59 Part 60
Part 61 Part 62 Part 63 Part 64 Part 65 Part 66 Part 67 Part 68 Part 69 Part 70
Part 71

Megan and David were seated on the steps to Colby’s building when he rounded the corner at the end of his run.

“You’re early,” he called as he got close enough.

“She had coffee and bagels,” his partner replied as he stood. He offered Megan a hand in rising as well.

“Had?”

“Don’t worry; I saved you one.”

Colby nodded and led them upstairs. Once inside, he shred his running shoes and headed to grab a bottle of water. “Can I get either of you something?”

“Nope. We had coffee and bagels remember.”

Nodding, he drank half of his bottle of water in one big gulp. He gestured towards the living room. “Yeah. So to what I owe the early visits?”

“Oh, you owe me for more than the visit and bagel.”

“Oh, no.”

David grinned at the crestfallen look on Colby's face. “So you were out with Amita last night. Well, what's the deal?”

Megan looked between the men for a long moment before grinning at Colby. “You told him?"

"Yep, last night."

"I’m proud of you.”

Colby grinned and shrugged.

"Hey!" David snapped as he snagged the bagel bag from Megan. "What about Amita?"

"What about Amita indeed."

"Uh-oh, Colbs, she's in on of those moods."

Megan raised an eyebrow at David and crossed her legs. "And what mood is that?"

"Smug." Colby sighed and grabbed his bagel. "Know-it-all."

"I see. Well, if you'd rather I didn't share…"

David chuckled. “Stop torturing him and spill it.”

“After last night, I feel confident when I say Charlie and Amita are not a real couple.”

“She told you this?”

“Oh, no. She did one better.” Megan pulled her cell phone from her pocket and called up the photos she’d taken the night before. She handed it over to Colby who held it out so David could see as well. He nearly dropped the phone when he really got a good look at the image, however.

In the first photograph, Amita was wrapped around a large bearded man covered in dusty leather and fading tattoos. His beard was nearly as long as his hair, all of it tangled and dirty. In the second picture, she seemed to be trying to remove his tonsils with her tongue. The other images were just as graphic.

“She made out with four different guys last night? What did you give her to drink?”

“Nothing, I swear. And she went home with that one,” Megan added as she indicated the longshoreman who had been in most of the late pictures.

“Are you sure they actually when home? Didn’t just share a cab?”

“Uh-huh. You don’t just share a cab with a sailor you’ve been stringing along; usually, that doesn’t go well. Besides, I drove passed her place this morning to make sure she did make it home all right and he was getting into a cab out front. With a very sleepy but satisfied smile.”

Colby nodded. He was glad David had been there to ask the questions he couldn’t. His mind was just having too hard of a time getting around the whole situation.

“Dude, you know what this means. You can make your play for Charlie.”

“No. It means Amita’s willing to cheat on Charlie. She could still just be—”

David shook his head. “No. It’s like I said about her and you last night. Think about you know about her. Is she the cheating type?”

“No, but-“

“There is no but, Colby. Amita wouldn’t do that to Charlie. She has to be telling you the truth about being his beard.”

“You’re right; she doesn’t seem like the cheating type but I wouldn’t have said she was the beard type either. I mean, what could she possible get out of that relationship?”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“No, really. Why would she agree to it?”

Megan shook her head. “First off, I paid for that bagel to eaten not mangled.”

Colby looked down at the shredded remains of the roll. “Sorry.”

“As for what Amita would get from an arrangement with Charlie, I can think of lots of things.”

“Like?”

“Attention and status. I mean Charlie’s a bit of a celebrity around CalSci and that leaks over. Not mention she would have access to one of the greatest math minds ever and whether or not he’s aware of it, potentially help with her own career ambitions. And then there’s Charlie himself.”

“But if Charlie’s not into her, how…”

“Look at those guys from last night. She approached each of them. Obviously she has a type. And it’s a bit rough-hewn.”

“To say the least.”

“Charlie’s the opposite. He’s as much her beard as she is his. He can cover for her, too.”

David nodded, catching on. “No geek at CalSci is going to hit on Charlie Eppes’s girl.”

“Not only that. Think about her family. Her parents are looking for her to settle down with someone just like Charlie: calm, stable, her intellectual equal or better, works in a respected field similar to Amita’s. He’d be perfect if he were Indian. I don’t think Mr. Sailor from last night would foot that bill.”

“No. No, he wouldn’t.”

“Then why… Why throw it away?”

“What?”

“If Charlie is such a good cover and she gets so much out of it, why tell me about it? Why try to push me to make a move on Charlie? Why end a good thing?”

“I think she’s sick of living a lie.”

“So why not just end it?” Then Colby asked the question that had been bothering him all along, “Why the games?”

“Well, probably because there is so much to lose. If Charlie doesn’t have a reason to end things, then he won’t want to and then she looks like the ass if they break up. She’d lose status, not him.”

“But if Charlie is the one who seems to move on first, she doesn’t lose any face,” David added seeing the value of the being the dumpee, not the dumper.

“And if she plays a role in setting him up with you or someone, then she can possibly maintain her contact and access to Charlie’s brain and his professional help.”

Colby nodded. He got it; he really did, but he just felt overwhelmed.

“Hey, man, relax. You don’t have to make your play today. Give it some time.”

“Besides, we gotta warm Don up to the idea.”

“Hmm, yeah, that might take some work. But nothing we can’t handle.”

Colby laughed at the absurdness of the conversation, the situation. If he wasn’t careful, David and Megan were going to have his whole life planned out and just push him along until he was where they wanted him. His family wasn’t even that nuts.

Still, it felt good. Good to know that he had both of them on his side. If things got out and it went funny at work, he knew someone would have his back with Don.

numbers WiP Author comments...

2009-07-12T04:23:27Z

Sorry, not an update just yet... still trying to decipher my handwriting from vacation... note to self, next time I try to write on a bus, I won't use pencil--it smudges way too easy.

On other slightly related topic... I finally got my computer fixed in June on one of my vacations and I've pulled all of this WiP together into on file. I guess I didn't quite realize how big it was:

84,500 words (included what I have of Part 71 typed)
271 pages at Times New Roman 12, single spaced (with a line between paragraphs)

Holy $hi#!

It's going to take me forever to edit that monster... Oh well, if I get it done by this birthday (20 days... not likely) maybe I can make editting it my goal for next year.

Anyway, I'm rambling tonight. I started this to apologize for not getting more out to you sooner and to thank everyone for hanging in there... after 84,500 words, you all deserve a hand.

Thanks again!

numb3rs wip 71/?

2009-07-03T16:47:36Z

Don't own; don't sue.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10
Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20
Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30
Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40
Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45 Part 46 Part 47 Part 48 Part 49 Part 50
Part 51 Part 52 Part 53 Part 54 Part 55 Part 56 Part 57 Part 58 Part 59 Part 60
Part 61 Part 62 Part 63 Part 64 Part 65 Part 66 Part 67 Part 68 Part 69 Part 70

"So let me get this straight..." David paused to giggle.

Colby rolled his eyes. He knew his friend wasn't really drunk. Yes, he'd downed his beer in what had to be record time but that initial buzz would wear off.

"Sorry."

"'Sokay."

David cleared his throat. "You've got the hots for Charlie-"

"I wouldn't say hots... it's not like that."

"I don't think I want to know what it's like. No offense."

"None taken." Colby still couldn't explain it so it was probably best to not get into that pack of weeds.

"Anyway, you're interested Charlie, our boss's geeky, math-boy of a little brother. A fact made all the more complicated because Charlie's girlfriend or apparent-girlfriend is aware of it."

"Yeah."

"So who else knows?"

"About me being bi? My family, my buddy Tony, and Megan."

"You told Megan before you told me?"

"No, no, she just knew. But I did tell her about Amita when she grilled me for details."

"So tonight...?"

Colby sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Megan said she'd find out what's Amita's deal."

"Girls' night."

"Yeah." Colby said as he leaned back into his chair. "I just hope she changed her mind."

"Why? Megan's more likely to get Amita to tell her the truth than you or I would be."

"I know. But Amita's a smart cookie. If she's doing this to figure out if I'm a threat to her relationship with Charlie and Megan starts pushing, she might get the impression that I am. And I'm not; I'm going to break them up just because I have feelings for him."

David nodded. "I know and if Amita thinks about it and what she knows about you, she'd know that, too."

"Yeah."

"So what if Megan did take Amita out tonight? What's your plan, man?"

Colby chuckled, "Oh, you're giving me too much credit."

"No plan?"

"Nope. Going with the flow."

"And if you get outted in the process? Are you ready for that?"

"I'll have to be."

David shook his head. "Colbs, no offense, but you nearly freaked out telling me. You're not ready."

"No, not really. But if it happens, it happens. I can't change what's done. Nor can I control what others do."

"Did you get body swapped while in Idaho?"

"No, but it just feels like it."

David nodded, sobering quickly. They sat in silence for a long moment before he started laughing.

“What? What’s so funny?”

“Who would have thought that our first big tête-à-tête after everything that has happened would be over sex?”

Colby chuckled. “Why not? Talking about sex is what got us through those stakeouts the first year.”

“Yeah… and I’m starting to wonder about those stories.”

“Hey, I was in a band; that will get you a long way.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll have to remember that.” David smiled and stood. “I should get going. You want a ride tomorrow morning?”

“Sure,” Colby said as he rose to follow his partner to the door. “But it’s Saturday; can we make it for later in the morning?”

“How’s 8:45 hit you?”

“Good.”

David put his hand out to shakes Colby’s. He quickly pulled him into a man hug, with just two pats on the back. “Relax; things will work out.”

“So they say.”

Opening the door, David smiled over his shoulder. “Hey, I just got my partner back. I’m not letting anything screw it up now.”

~3~

Sleep came quickly to Colby that night. Of course, two weeks on the minimum amount of rest helped, but he was sure it was more than that. His certainty was confirmed when he awoke the next morning feeling as right as rain.

He felt… free. And that feeling was because of David and their conversation.

He’d finally chosen to tell someone that he was bisexual.

It seemed odd that so many people knew and yet David was the first he’d chosen to tell. His siblings had ripped it from him then spread it around this their significant others; his mom, Tony, Megan, Amita—hell, even Larry—had figured it out without him saying a word.

As Colby changed into running shorts and a tee, he couldn’t help but laugh at himself. He had just turned into a freaking cliché: “Telling someone about my sexuality was liberating.”

Shaking his head at his thoughts, he grabbed his keys and cell phone and slipped on his running shoes. He was out the door in less than two minutes as his body followed a familiar routine.

The great thing about Saturdays was that he had the time take a run before work. The six-point-nine miles usually took long enough for Colby to rehash his week and think through anything that might be going on with him. Somehow he didn’t think that would be true this week.

He crossed the street and started down his usual route. Unfortunately there wasn’t a great place to jog near his home—no scenic parks or anything. So he made do making the rounds in his neighborhood. Many of the business were just opening for the day and the owners recognized him enough to wave.

Briefly he wondered if they’d notice he hadn’t been out running for those six weeks he’d been in prison.

The thought-well, the realization that came with the thought-nearly caused Colby to fall on his face. He stumbled to a stop, thankfully at a stoplight, as it hit him.

With all of his sexual turmoil, he hadn’t even thought about prison in weeks. The memories of that place hadn’t been what kept him awake at night, wasn’t what hounded the back of his skull, didn’t consume his free moments. Prison no longer hovered over him like a flashing neon sign.

His prayers had been answered.

Colby snorted as the light changed. Somehow this didn’t fee like divine intervention. Of course, as he started across the street to continue his run, he was reminded of two things.

One: The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Two: Be careful what you wish for.

hiatus

2009-06-24T03:43:41Z

On vacation... AGAIN!

will be back July 1st. Should have something for y'all then.

Have a good week, all.

HOME...

2009-06-18T05:19:08Z

From autocratting (running) my first SCA event... It went well. I'll write more later.

On my computer.... I finally got my computer fixed... Happy dance!!!!

For a while... Six days and I go on vacation again. I might need a vacation from my vacations.

Writer's Block: Dream On

2009-05-14T04:45:15Z

Do you ever have recurring dreams? If so, are they good dreams or nightmares?

View 502 Answers

I have several dreams that reoccur. I used to have this dream about searching this old house, wandering from room to room and always ending up in the laundry room. But I haven't had that since undergrad.

I also have a dream where I live in a house made entirely of chocolate. And I do mean entirely from chocolate, the sinks and shower run chocolate, the staircase is carved white chocolate. Even the furniture is dark chocolate. I have this dream about once to twice a month.

My other recurring dream is that I'm married and have 6 boys. And they're a handful. This dream does vary some. It's also streaky... I'll dream it for several days in the row (upwards of two weeks at a time) and then nothing for months.

When we first moved into the town house, I had nightmares for the first few months about fire. A fire would start at the far end of the street and spread down the building and I'd be trapped in my room. And the fire fighters at the station three blocks over would be out on a call and I'd burn to death. But now that we've been here nearly a year, I've finally quit having it.

So in general my recurring dreams are good but occasionally I have a bad one.

numb3rs wip 69/?

2009-05-04T05:10:04Z

Don't own; don't sue.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10
Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20
Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30
Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40
Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45 Part 46 Part 47 Part 48 Part 49 Part 50
Part 51 Part 52 Part 53 Part 54 Part 55 Part 56 Part 57 Part 58 Part 59 Part 60
Part 61 Part 62 Part 63 Part 64 Part 65 Part 66 Part 67 Part 68

Colby was the first one into the office the next morning. He knew that the team had only been working cold cases but he wanted to catch up on whatever they'd gotten done. He knew he wouldn't have time if a new case came up.

Besides, he couldn't pretend to sleep any longer. Apparently his insomnia at home had come with him to L.A.

Of course, his worries had only gotten more complicated since coming back.

With a sigh, Colby dived into the work David and Don had gotten done over the last week on the five open cases they were investigating.

About an hour later, Megan was the next one to come in. She's also thought to catch up from her time away, although she'd only been gone seven and a half days instead of nine.

After settling her stuff at her desk, she set a cup of coffee and a muffin on the corner of his desk. "Wanna talk about it?"

"No."

"Colby..."

He sighed and raised his head to look around the office. It was still early enough that there was hardly anyone in yet.

"Grab a chair. This could take a while."

Megan grabbed her own coffee and muffin while taking her seat. She took a long sip while sliding across the floor. "Okay, hit me."

"First, thanks for the coffee."

"No problem. Spill."

Colby chuckled and shook his head. He took a sip and leaned back in his chair. "So, I'm not actually sure where to start."

"Tell me about Charlie."

"You know Charlie."

"Don't be an ass, Granger. Tell me how you feel about Charlie."

Colby nodded with a little grin. "I don't really know. I mean, I like him a lot. He's a big part of why I wanted to stay here with the team. No offense."

"None taken."

"It's weird, though; I don't really know how to explain it."

"What do you mean?"

"I didn't even know he was why I wanted to stay until Richard asked me. It's like it was simmering under the surface. But now that I know... it's-" Colby sighed. "I've never felt like this. Not even with the girl I wanted to marry when I was younger."

"Well, of course, it's different. It's-"

"No. Megan, I know what you're going to say because my brother and best friend have all ready said it. Because it's a guy instead of a girl, but it's more than that."

"Okay, so explain it."

"I can't. That's the thing. I don't-" Colby ran his hand through his hair. "I've never been unaware of romantic feelings for someone. If anything, I've always been overly conscious of them, to the point of embarrassing myself with the knowledge. But that's just the start."

"What else?"

Colby blushed. "Uh, um."

"Attraction," she supplied.

He nodded. "It's odd... less, but still intense. But that's new--well, newer anyway. Newer than realizing that I liked him."

"New?"

"Do we really need to go into that?"

"Do you have someone to talk to about it?"

"Sort of. Ryan's got a friend who's gay who offered to mentor me, I guess."

Megan's eyebrows climbed into her hair line. "You told your family?"

"No, my siblings badgered it out of me and my mom just knew. She's amazing like that."

"And they're okay with everything?"

"Yeah." Colby chuckled, "They're doing better with it than I am."

"Well, they don't have to live it; they just have to accept it."

Colby nodded. He looked around the office again as he took a big drink of his coffee. It was starting to fill but not so much that he felt uncomfortable continuing. "Amita knows."

"What? How?" Megan looked shocked before plowing on, "I swear, I did not tell Larry."

"I know. Relax. She told me yesterday while we were drying the dishes. She said..."

"What?"

"She said she knew because she observes a gay man a lot."

Megan nodded, "I suppose that's possible. I mean you were looking at Charlie a little longer, but not overly obvious."

"That's not the part of my conversation with Amita that bothers me though."

"Why? What did she say?"

Colby pulled her chair as close to his as possible and spoke as quietly as he could, "She said Charlie was the gay man she spent time with and she's his beard."

"Oh my god!" Megan nearly dropped her coffee all over both of them. Luckily, she didn't have a lot left in the cup to spill as she bobbled it.

"Yeah."

"Why would she-?" Shaking her head, she cut herself off, not entirely sure what to think.

"It has to be true, right? I mean, even if they really are dating and she's lying about the beard part, why would she try to play me if he wasn't bi at least, right?"

Megan nodded. "I can't fault your logic, but why would she feel the need to play you if they were doing as well as they seem to be?"

Colby took a drink of his coffee but nearly choked on it when he saw the look on Megan's face. He knew that scheming look did not mean good things for him. "Please don't. Whatever you're thinking about, just don't."

"Don't worry; it's just a little girls' night," she commented as she rolled her chair towards her desk.

"Why does that send chills down my spine?"

"Cause you're short an X-chromosome. Although..."

"Shut up, Reeves."

"Fighting all ready? You've only been back from vacation for ten minutes."

Colby startled a little at Don's voice. He froze as several thoughts raced through his mind, Oh no. How much did he hear? Does he know? Is he going to kick my ass?

Fortunately, Megan covered for them, "Oh, please. We've just starting from where we left off."

Don's laugh broke the tension that had been building within Colby. He was able to relax and focus on getting back to work. Which was good, since they were called to a crime scene less than two hours later.

WalkMS

2009-05-03T20:15:24Z

Wooooo...

6.5 miles in 2 hours and 20 minutes.

I'm beat but glad to have walked.

WalkMS 2009

Writer's Block: What's the Plan?

2009-05-03T03:37:39Z

Do you like to plan everything out or do you prefer to be spontaneous?

View 503 Answers

I like both. It's nice to plan things out, especially when you're trying to do something big like take a vacation or something like that. If you want to do thing with friends, it's definitely better to plan ahead.

But spontaneous can be incredibly fun/satisfying. I mean just getting up and having no plans for a day off... priceless! Maybe I'll go to the park, or the mall, or a movie. Maybe I won't get out of my pajamas, maybe I'll dress up, maybe I'll split the difference. The possiblities are endless and that's what's so energizing about not having plans.

So as in all things, balance is key!

numb3rs wip 68/?

2009-05-02T05:00:41Z

Don't own; don't sue.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10
Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20
Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30
Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40
Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45 Part 46 Part 47 Part 48 Part 49 Part 50
Part 51 Part 52 Part 53 Part 54 Part 55 Part 56 Part 57 Part 58 Part 59 Part 60
Part 61 Part 62 Part 63 Part 64 Part 65 Part 66 Part 67

Colby paced his apartment. His mind was racing and his feet were trying desperately to keep up.

Charlie likes men. Charlie likes me.

He still couldn't believe it. His ears and brain and Amita had to be playing tricks on him because it just couldn't be.

Charlie and Amita are only pretending to date.

Colby shook his head. It still didn't make sense. How could they not be a couple? They were perfect together. Between the math and CalSci and the brainy stuff, what could be missing?

Just look at them; they were all ready like one of those old couples that looked like each other. Dark, curly hair, deep brown eyes, and brains off in another math world... They were so much like.

It is kinda like Charlie's dating a dumber version of himself.

Colby felt bad at that thought. Amita was very smart, smarter than him by half. So, really, he had no right to belittle her even in to himself.

But, if what she said was true, wasn't she cutting herself short? Sure, there was some prestige in dating a math rock star like Charlie. However, with those advantages came definite disadvantages. They'd have to be incredibly careful with handling a break-up when she found someone else. Of course, it wasn't like she could be looking for someone while they were together.

Or could she? Could she be cheating on her pretend relationship with Charlie?

Why would anyone want to cheat on Charlie? He was so... like gravity.

But if it really wasn't real...

Colby stopped and rubbed his hands over his face. His mind was just going in circles. He wasn't getting anywhere other than confused.

There was only one thing to do.

Colby crossed to his phone and dialed the number from memory.

"The department had better be on fire," was the grumble that came over the line.

"Sorry, Tone; it's me." He winced as he looked at the clock and realized it was after midnight at in Winchester.

"Colby?"

"Yeah. Shit, I'm sorry. I didn't think about the time. I'll call you tomorrow."

"What's wrong, Siege?"

"It's late; we don't-"

"Colby Zachariah Granger, you wake me up to tell me you don't want to tell me what's going on. Screw you."

"Sorry."

"Don't be sorry; spill."

Colby sighed and sat down on his couch. "I'm really messed up right now. I don't even know where to start."

"All right. You were fine when you headed back to L.A. so when did it start? New Year's Eve at Charlie's?"

"Yes, no. I felt a little uncomfortable and I drank a bit more than I would have usually. But that's not the problem."

Colby could hear Tony shift in his bed, probably sitting up, before the reply came, "So what's happened today?"

"So I left Charlie's before he was up and he called to have me over for dinner and to pick up some things I left overnight."

"Okay. And?"

Colby rested his head on the back of the couch. "Amita told me she and Charlie aren't actually dating," he told the ceiling.

"Huh?"

"That's pretty much what I said. Apparently, she's his beard."

"Charlie's gay? Siege, that's great."

"No, it's not," Colby groaned as he sat up.

"I'm confused. Why not?"

"'Cause it can't be true."

"You think Amita's lying to you?"

"I don't know. I mean, other than to embarrass me horribly, why would she lie about it? But, at the same time, I can't see why she'd want to denigrate herself by pretending to date him."

"Denigrate? That's a little harsh."

Colby shook his head, not wanting to get into how he really felt about what Amita said she was going with Charlie. "I'm just saying it doesn't make sense."

Tony's laugh rang softly into his ear. "Most people don't make sense. That doesn't mean it's not true."

Colby nodded. He knew Tony couldn't see him, but he figured they'd been friends long enough, he didn't need to.

"Okay, Siege, look at it this way. What does Amita gain by telling you this?"

"Well, if I make a play and it's not true, I end up looking like an ass in front of everyone who means anything to me here in L.A."

"Yes," Tony said in the patient voice usually reserved for slow children, "but what does she gain?"

"I'd probably stay away from Charlie when not working, assuming Don doesn't fire or transfer me."

"Why would she want that?"

"Well, she wouldn't have to worry about me and Charlie getting too close."

"That's a concern in exactly one situation."

"Only if he's bisexual or she thinks he is," Colby said finally realizing what Tony was getting at.

"Bingo. And if it's true?"

"I make a play for Charlie and we get together. She would be free to date."

"That's what you want, isn't it?"

"I think so."

"So if it's true you get what you want. And if it's not, there's still a chance to get him since he's probably bisexual. So this is very good news."

"Not really because it doesn't change anything."

"Why not?"

"Because even if they are pretending to date, I can't break them up."

"Colby, it's not actually breaking them up if they're not really together."

"It would seem like it and... I just can't do it, Tone. I can't be the other man who came between the perfect couple."

"But they're not the perfect couple if Amita had to play this game or try to match make."

Colby groaned. "Okay, the seemingly perfect couple."

"Is this really about you and Charlie or is it about you and Amy?"

"Tony..." he warned, not wanting to get into ancient history.

"She lied; she cheated; she broke your heart. But that's a totally different situation from this. Things would be out in the open."

"Would they?" Colby sat up. "If he doesn't want to come out and having a beard would suggest he doesn't, then he won't want to date me openly. He'd want to keep his arrangement with Amita and I'd be his... dirty little secret. I'd be no better than..."

"Yes, but if all three of you know and accept the situation, then it's not the same."

Colby sighed. "It's just so complicated."

"Then simplify. Talk to him, to them."

I'm an April Fool!

2009-05-01T06:17:59Z

I did it! I made my April Fool's writing challenge. See:

10,028 / 10,000
(100.3%)

This really is one of my favorite on-line activities. It's totally go at your own pace but there is a support system, too. Check it out: April Fool's

numb3rs wip 66/?

2009-04-27T23:49:45Z

Don't own; don't sue.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10
Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20
Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30
Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40
Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45 Part 46 Part 47 Part 48 Part 49 Part 50
Part 51 Part 52 Part 53 Part 54 Part 55 Part 56 Part 57 Part 58 Part 59 Part 60
Part 61 Part 62 Part 63 Part 64 Part 65

Colby had just cleared his plate and was contemplating a second helping when his phone rang. He started to get up to answer it, but Alan and Charlie just waved him back into his seat.

"Granger," he said quietly, not wanting to interrupt anyone else's meal.

"Let me start by saying I'm sorry. It was an invasion of your privacy and I should not have done it. I will pay you back with interest and then some," the words gushed out over the line.

"Jason?" Colby asked to make sure he recognized the voice.

"Yes."

"What are you talking about?"

"I took something from your room and now... well, I can't just put it back, but I'll totally repay you."

Colby laughed. It had often been the other way around when they were younger. In fact, he'd probably said those exact words dozens of times to each of his siblings. "Jase, we're not kids anymore. I don't really care about anything in my room except for my painting and Grandma's quilt. You didn't-"

"No, no, they're both right where you left them."

"Then I don't care, so you're worried for nothing."

"But the item I took 'set you back a pretty penny.'"

Something about the way Jason said that triggered in Colby's mind. When had he heard that before "Set me back...? Jason, did you... Did you propose?"

"Yeah, and I took the ring from your room to do it. I didn't think Sarah would like it; I figured we'd just go get a different one that she would like, but..."

"Oh my gosh, Jase, congratulations! Hold on; let me tell everyone." Colby pulled the phone away from his ear. "My brother Jason proposed to Sarah. And he owes me money for the ring."

"What? Why?"

"Long story," Colby said before going to back to the phone. "Does everyone know? Neither Keith nor Em said anything when I talked to them earlier."

"No, I haven't call Emily yet and I just got off the phone with Keith," Jason said a little exasperated.

"Oh, yeah? What did he say?"

"'I don't care what you and Em do, but you're not getting me to get married before I'm ready.' Like I've got any thing to say on the matter."

"Oh, please, you know the two of them are gonna up and run off to Vegas some weekend. No planning, no engagement. We'll just get a 'guess what' text message."

"Mom would kill him. Hmm, I might have to start suggesting that."

"You're horrible. It's a wonder Sarah stuck with you."

"Wonder, no; miracle, yes."

"You are so whipped and you're not even married yet."

"Are you kidding?" Jason chuckled, "I've been whipped since the senior prom."

"And you couldn't be happier and I couldn't be happier for you. Seriously, Jase, I'm..."

"You're excited to get some money out of that ring, finally."

"What? No, I don't even care about that."

"Well, I do. I'm going to pay you back with interest."

"Jason, that's way more than you would have spent so don't. Accept it as my gift to you."

"No."

Colby could hear the pride and stubbornness in his brother's voice. There was only one way he could possibly convince him to let the money thing go. "Hold on a second. Charlie, can I ask you a math question?"

"Always."

"Good." Colby set the phone on the table to Jason could hear Charlie as well. "So, $3500 with monthly compounded interest of 5%, would be how much thirteen years later?"

"Rounded to the nearest penny?”

Colby nodded.

“$6695.34. Why?"

"Trying to figure out how much my brother owes me."

"So you gave him $3500 thirteen years ago?"

"Something like that," Colby said, not really wanting to get into why he'd have a thirteen-year-old engagement ring. "He says he wants to pay me back with interest."

"Well, given inflation, 5% interest is hardly an accurate rate to determine to value of your money. I mean if you'd put that money into a savings account you may have gotten less than that, but other investments like mutual funds or money market accounts could have yielded much higher returns," Larry said.

"It's my brother. I don't really care about the money; it was more to prove a point."

"Point granted," Jason replied, "but I still want to repay you."

"I don’t want your money, Jason, so bite me," Colby snapped.

"Did that, had to get a Rabies shot."

The assembled group started laughing, even Colby. He'd walked right into that one. His brother had always been good with the snappy come-backs.

"How about 1% interest? How much would that be, Charlie?" the disembodied voice asked after the laughter subsided.

"$3985.68."

"So, I'll put $4000 into your account at the bank tomorrow."

"Jason-"

"No, I want to do this."

"You have three kids to put through college."

"Sarah told you."

"I'm a trained investigator, Jase. I notice things and she didn't deny my suspicions."

"I thought you mostly tackled things. Noticing must be new skill for you."

"Shut up, farm boy."

"Anyway, don't worry about the money; I won't be taking it from the boys' college fund."

"Good."

"Hey, I gotta get going; chores to do. I can hear the damn sheep from here. Catch you later, Little C."

"Saturday, web cams, all of us. I don't know what time yet."

"Cool, we'll be here. Later."

Colby picked up the phone and clicked it off. He was smiling and shaking his head. He should have known he couldn’t out-stubborn his brother. Jason's pride did have nearly six more years' worth of experience than his own.

"So what are you going to do with $4000, Little C?" David asked with a grinned.

"Hire someone to kick your ass every time you call me that."

"Ah, but what happens when your money runs out?"

"I'll just have to do the kicking myself."

"Bring it on, Little C."

Alan cleared his throat. "Before this nice afternoon dissolves into a wrestling match, how about dessert? We have a chocolate cheesecake just waiting to be eaten."

"Now, that action," Don said, "I wouldn't mind getting a piece of."

numb3rs wip 65/?

2009-04-27T22:27:16Z

Don't own; don't sue.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10
Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20
Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30
Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40
Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45 Part 46 Part 47 Part 48 Part 49 Part 50
Part 51 Part 52 Part 53 Part 54 Part 55 Part 56 Part 57 Part 58 Part 59 Part 60
Part 61 Part 62 Part 63 Part 64

Colby grinned and took his seat at the picnic table. He was in his "usual" spot on Charlie's left, straight across from Amita. He'd arrived just in time for the food, which had been successfully rescued before it was turned to ashes.

The meal looked amazing: steaks with fish for Amita and Larry, fruit salad, grilled vegitable kabobs, potato salad, and rolls. It was hard to beleive it was the middle of winter and not spring with the fare they were about to consume.

"So what did you do today, Colby?" Amita asked as she passed the plate of steaks to Charlie.

"Nothing much. Household chores, checked my email, that's about it."

"And that took all day?"

"Liberally spaced with breaks, yeah." Colby selected his steak and passed the platter on. He then reached for the salad.

"Sounds dull," David commented as he took the salad from Colby.

"A little. But that's okay."

"Definitely sounds quieter than today here," Megan commented as she passed the rolls over to Colby.

"I did have the TV on for noise and I made a couple phone calls. But I'm sure this lot was pretty loud."

"Well, after the hangovers wore off a bit."

Colby just chuckled and shook his head. He had a plate full of food so he bowed his head for quick moment, before picking up his knife and fork.

"Colby, did you just-" Don didn't finish his sentence, but simply stared.

"What?" he replied finding all eyes on him once again. "I haven't taken a bite yet, so I know there's nothing on my face."

"Did you just pray?"

"Um, yes. Is that a problem? I didn't want to offend anyone; I was trying to be discreet."

David chuckled. "It's okay, dude. I mean you haven't offended anyone," there were shaking heads around the table at this. "I just don't think I've ever seen you pray before."

"I always say grace, but like I say, discreetly. Sometimes I just close my eyes quick and say it fast in my head."

"And what do you say?" Alan asked.

"Just a common table prayer. It's nothing special."

"Then I think we should do it," Amita said surprising everyone. The nodding started after a few seconds, however, as they all thought about it.

"You don't ha- I mean, it's not-" he nearly stuttered, trying to explain the unnecissariness of such an act, gesture.

"Colby, shut up and do as the lady says," Don said in his best boss voice.

Colby nodded, a little stunned. He wouldn't have thought that this group would be so... Accepting wasn't the right word because he knew they'd accept him as he was-they had many times before--but he hadn't expected them to embrace and partake of his religious rituals.

"So what do we do?"

Colby's thoughts were pulled to Larry. That had to be the oddest question he'd ever heard from the cosmologist. "Um, to pray? Most people just bow your heads and... you know, pray."

"Is that what your family does when it says grace?" Megan asked, understanding a little better where Larry had been coming from.

"No, not quite."

"Then we should do whatever your family does."

Colby sighed and rested the back of his wrists against the edge of the table. "Then, please, let us join hands."

Once everyone was holding hands, Colby took a deep breathe. "So, close your eyes, bow your heads, and enter whatever state of mind that makes you feel closer to God, the universe, whatever."

David chuckled beside him at that and Colby struggled to keep from letting go of his hand so he could elbow him in the ribs.

"Normally, my family would say the prayer in unison, but I'll just say it for all of us. Everyone ready?" He paused and let out a breath to relax. The words came easily to his tongue so he just let them roll off it, "Bless this food to our use, and us to thy loving service, and make us ever mindful of the needs of others. Amen."

"Amen."

"That's very nice, Colby. Not overly religious, but a great sentiment."

Colby nodded and picked up his fork again. He kept his eyes on his plate as he took the first bite of his salad.

He knew there was no reason to be embarrassed and, yet, he was. He wasn't ashamed to be a Christian but sharing it with these people just seemed odd. Maybe it was because he hadn't really put his beliefs on display much since he'd stopped wanting to be a priest. If he had become a priest, he never would have had this life or met this team, his team. That thought made him uncomfortable in a way he couldn't really explain.

Luckily, Megan and Larry started talking about some metaphysical mumbo-jumbo and no one really paid much attention to Colby. That suited him just fine. He took the few moments to just get his footing again. There was something about the Eppes family this weekend that was determined to keep him guessing.

"Sorry to put you on the spot like that," Amita said as she leaned over the table to Colby.

"It's fine. I was just a little surprised everyone wanted to."

"What? Don't we strike you as open to new experiences?" Charlie asked, with a bit of a grin.

"Yes, of course, you do but religion does funny things to people. The most liberal person can be very set in their ways when it comes to God and the opposite is true. The strict, regimented people can find great joy in non-traditional services."

"Well, thank you for sharing."

"You're welcome, Amita."

For some reason, that exchange let Colby relax. He could enjoy the good food and good company. He set about doing just that, attacking his plate with gusto and actually listening to the conversation. Even if he didn't join in, he knew he could and that was enough.

numb3rs wip 64/?

2009-04-25T05:32:41Z

Don't own; don't sue.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10
Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20
Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30
Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40
Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45 Part 46 Part 47 Part 48 Part 49 Part 50
Part 51 Part 52 Part 53 Part 54 Part 55 Part 56 Part 57 Part 58 Part 59 Part 60
Part 61 Part 62 Part 63

The ringing of his cell phone had Colby seriously reconsidering his decision to walk to the store instead of driving. There was no way he was going to be able to juggle his bags and get to his phone before it went to voice mail.

If it's important, they'll leave me a message, he thought as he turned the last corner of his walk. It was another six straight blocks to his building.

The ringing quite and he waited for the ring that said he had a message. When no tone came, he sighed, annoyed. What was the point of calling if there wasn't even something to leave a message about?

Colby let himself into his apartment and set the cheesecake he'd bought on the table. He'd splurged a bit on it, but in his experience good food was worth it. Besides having leftover chocolate cheesecake was never a bad thing.

He'd just finished putting his groceries away when his phone range again. This time, he was easily able to pulling the device from his pocket to answer it. Colby laughed when he saw the incoming text message: Safely back to Spokane. Tried to call-will talk later.

He rested his hip against the counter as he started to type his reply. Glad you and Ryan got back okay. Have plans tonight but can call you later in the week.

Colby set his phone on the counter and pulled a bottle of water from the fridge. He'd just taken the first drink when his phone started to ring.

"Why didn't you answer before?" came from the speaker before he'd even spoken.

"My hands were full. I was walking home from the grocery store."

"You didn't have anything else to do today?" was said with a little laugh. "You're such a loser."

Colby shook his head and grinned. "Thanks, Em. Glad to know you think so highly of your little brother."

"I didn't mean it like that. I just meant most people do something on New Year's Day."

"Well, I unpacked and did laundry. I'm going to the Eppeses for dinner."

"That's your boss and his brother. The one you like, right?"

"Yeah," Colby said ruefully as he tried not to roll his eyes.

"Why do you say it like that?"

"That's what Keith and Abigail asked, too. It's..."

Emily's sigh slithered over the line. "It's just that we're worried about you."

"I can take care of myself."

"Colby, you ran a background check on my boyfriend and Keith's girlfriend. It's in our blood to look out for each other. You've had a rough year and you're dealing with a lot right now."

"I survived war. I can survive anything."

"Do you really think we didn't worry about you over there?"

Colby frowned. "No, I know you were. But this is... just personal stuff."

"Which can mess you up way more than the physical stuff. I remember how you were after Amy. You weren't even close to that bad when you got back."

Colby sighed. "I was too young then. I just... didn't think I'd ever get over it. But I did and I can handle anything now."

"Are you sure? I mean you sounded so... defeated when you talk about him and his girlfriend."

"Yeah. I'll be fine. I've got you all and Megan, who I work with. So, yeah."

"Good."

Colby imagine Emily nodded and chewing on her lower lip as she thought about his situation. So he decided to change the subject. "How about you? You ready to deal with the future mother-in-law?"

"God, no. But Ryan's worth it."

"Does she know yet?"

"Yeah, Ryan told her yesterday when they talked. She's excited. I'll just take it one day at a time."

"You could always move away from Spokane."

"I've been thinking about that. Maybe I'll bring that up on our first anniversary. Nah, probably our six-month anniversary."

Colby laughed. "That's my sister."

"Yeah, well, I should probably go and unpack and do laundry so I can start my week tomorrow."

"Okay. Tell Ryan I said hi and I'll talk to you later in the week. Maybe next weekend we could all use the web cams?"

"I'd like that."

"Good. I'll talk to you then."

"Later, little brother."

Colby hung up and set the phone of the counter. He took a long swallow of his water and then looked at the bottle. There was just a little left so he downed it before heading into the living room.

Sitting down in front of his computer, he set about cleaning out his email. He hadn't checked it while he was at home. There should be enough there to kill most of the time before he left for the Eppes house.

~3~

Colby pulled up front of the Eppes Pasadena Craftsman. He was running a little later than he'd thought. Traffic had been terrible, but really what had he expected that close to the Rose Bowl.

Still, he wasn't too worried about the ten minutes. He did have cheesecake to bribe everyone with.

Larry let Colby in the front door with a smile. "We were beginning to think you weren't coming."

"We?"

"Megan and I. She thought you might not come because..." Larry gestured vaguely but Colby knew what he meant.

"She told you?" he hissed, looking around. He was relieved that everyone seemed to be in the backyard.

Larry shook his head. "I've known for a while."

"How? I didn't..."

"Some times distance is needed to see important things."

"Colby!" Alan commented as he came into the dining room. "I was expecting to find Larry distracted by math, not you."

"Sorry I'm late. Traffic sucked." Colby held up the cheesecake. "But I came prepared."

"Great. We'll put this in the kitchen and then join everyone outside. I should probably go relieve Charlie from grill duty."

"Most definitely, if we don't wish to eat briquettes."

Colby laughed at Larry's words and slapped him on the back. "I don't know about you, but I'm hungry. Let's go."

Writer's Block: Beautiful Vistas

2009-04-24T05:26:53Z

What is the most beautiful view you've ever seen? Have you been there, or do you plan to visit? If you have one, share a picture.

View 500 Answers

Bear Butte, in South Dakota's Bear Butte State Park. It's a lone mountain on the plains set about 15 to 20 miles away from the Black Hills proper. After a few hours' hike to the top, you can literally see into three other states from there.

In 1996, a wildfire destroyed most of the pines that covered the butte and one of the hiking trails has been closed ever since. When that fire happened, I was living about 20 miles north of there. The mountain glowed orange like it was the source of a sunset even though it was the middle of the night. (and yes, SD is so flat out west that you can see 20 miles, no problem.) The mountain doesn't look the same now. So much of its shape had to do with the trees and brushes that grew on it, but it's starting to come back and that makes it a joy to see every time I'm in western South Dakota.

For more information on Bear Butte State Park, Click Here.

Writer's Block: Starting from Scratch

2009-04-17T07:10:10Z

What would be the best thing about entering the Witness Protection Program and getting to start your life from scratch? The worst?

Sponsored by "In Plain Sight" on USA Network. Season 2 premieres Sunday, April 19 at 10/9C.

View 386 Answers

I think the best part would be being free of all the expectations that have built up in my life, whether real or imagined. To let some of those things go would definitely be a weight lifted from my shoulders. The worst would be not seeing my family and friends. While my extended family isn't as close as they once were, I am very close with my nuclear family. It would be hard to disappear on them. One or two of my close friends would also be like leaving my family behind.

But is it weird that I think it could be fun to start over? Maybe I'm just feeling a little bogged down at the moment... Such is life, right?

numb3rs wip 61/?

2009-04-12T05:31:40Z

Don't own; don't sue.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10
Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20
Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30
Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40
Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45 Part 46 Part 47 Part 48 Part 49 Part 50
Part 51 Part 52 Part 53 Part 54 Part 55 Part 56 Part 57 Part 58 Part 59 Part 60

The third time Colby yawned in as many minutes, Don took pity on him. He pulled him out of the living room into the foyer. Then he pushed him towards the stairs. "Come on, Idaho. You can sleep in my room."

"What? No, I'll just call a cab. I'll be home in no time."

"Colby, you've had three beers and two glasses of champagne. I'm not sending you home with three pieces of luggage when you've had that much to drink."

"Don, I'm fine. I can totally get home okay."

Charlie chuckled and shook his head. He leaned back in his chair to address him over his shoulder. "Colby, Don's letting you have his bed while he'll be sleeping on the couch. I'd go for it."

"I can't put you out of your own bed. See. There's another reason I should go."

"Colby, you're staying. That's final."

"Yes, Mr. Eppes. Thank you, sir."

Alan sighed. "Go upstairs before Don changes his mind."

"I sac out on the couch; I don't want to take his room."

"Colby, the party's still going strong," Don said as he pointed to living room where Amita and David were having a rather heated discussion. "It's only 1 am and I have feeling those two will be at it awhile. Go on upstairs."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, go."

"Okay, I'll see you in the morning, then."

Colby mounted the stairs slowly, fully aware he'd had more alcohol than he normally would. He'd never actually been on the upper level of the Eppes home before.

The upstairs hallway was lit only from light coming from the window at the end of the hall. It wasn't enough to see much more than his way to the only open door, but it would do. Colby made a mental note to look at the pictures on the wall in the morning.

The light switch was easy to find. Colby was suddenly reminded of his own room, to some extent. This room remained a childhood haven. The shelves were covered with baseball trophies and cubed balls, a few books but mostly sports stuff. A desk under the window spoke of the room having been a child's once. The double bed was made with a plain blue comforter and sheets. With a smile, he closed the door. He quickly stripped to his boxers and undershirt and climbed into bed.

Maybe it was the alcohol. Or maybe it was his long day. Or maybe it was relief that he could be around Charlie without it being a problem. But whatever it was, it had Colby asleep the moment his head it the pillow.

~3~

Colby quietly crept down the stairs. It was relatively late, 8:30, but since he didn't know how late everyone had been up. He was determined not to wake anyone if he could help it.

Not that he thought anything short of a grenade could wake the group in the living room. Don was asleep in the chair, his head tipped to the side which Colby knew would hurt when he woke. David was on the floor. He had a throw pillow under his head and was covered the afghan that usually covered the back of one of the chairs. Megan and Larry were curled up together on the couch. While Colby didn't understand their relationship, it was obvious they cared quite a bit about each other. And they were kinda cute together.

With a shake of his head, Colby headed into the kitchen. He'd start the coffee pot, change his clothes, and call a cab. He'd be home with plenty of time to do laundry before ordering a pizza and watch a couple of bowl games.

But first he had to have caffeine.

The great thing about the Eppes kitchen was that it was organized. The coffee grounds and filters sat on the shelf right above the coffee pot. It only took a couple seconds for Colby to get the machine started for the day.

A quick stop in the foyer and Colby was heading upstairs again. He splashed water onto his face to rinse the last of sleep from mind. As he changed his clothes, he tried not to think about this room being Charlie's bathroom, but he couldn't. The thought that Charlie was naked in the room where he was now standing nude sent shivers along his skin.

Embarrassed by the way his thoughts were going, Colby finished his shower and dressed quickly. Again he padded quietly downstairs and into the kitchen. This time he didn't have to be quite as carefully since he knew his socks would muffle his steps.

The coffee maker had just finished its percolating when he entered the kitchen. He poured himself a cup and drank it down, black. Feeling a little bit more awake, Colby quickly dialed a cab company to come take him home. He poured another cup while talking to the dispatcher.

With everything taken care of for the moment, Colby relaxed back against the island and took a long sip of his coffee. Unfortunately, the quiet moment meant his mind flashed back to his shower.

Okay, so definitely some physical attraction there, he thought as he remembered the tingly sensation he'd felt when he thought about being naked in the same space that Charlie was routinely naked in.

The fact that he was actually able to picture Charlie nude was another matter. For now, though, Colby would just focus on this new aspect of his feelings for Charlie.

He'd expected last night to go worse than it had. He knew Megan had helped him a lot by getting everyone together and not sitting around in smaller groups. He owed her a huge slab of chocolate or something. He'd have to think about that and have something ready when she sat him down to grill him about the whole situation.

That'll be fun, he thought as he filled his cup for the third time. Let's talk about my twisted sexual identity.

"Ah, I thought I smelled coffee."

Colby looked up and blushed. "I hope you don't mind," he said quickly to cover his reaction. "I just needed some coffee while I wait for my cab."

"What? Someone else make the coffee? Why would I mind?" Alan said as he poured himself a cup. He added just a little sugar to the strong brew. He smiled after he took a sip.

"I just know some people don't like guests messing around in their kitchens."

Colby looked up at sharp sigh Alan replied with. "Is something wrong with the coffee?"

"No. It's... Colby, you're not a guest in this house."

"I'm not?"

"No, you haven't been a guest here in months."

"Oh-kay."

Alan chuckled at the confused look on Colby's face. He clasped him on the shoulder. "You're family."

"Oh."